CHENNAI: Usually India doesn’t care much about the pitch when they play T20 cricket at home. But now, after the match against South Africa and the recent struggles of Indian batsmen in the T20 World Cup, 22 yards has become a talking point.
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When the Indian team arrived in Chennai on Monday afternoon for Thursday’s must-win match against Zimbabwe, the management seemed to have done its homework on the pitch that would be on offer.
India, whose big-name bowlers love to put the ball on the bat, have had a tough time in the tournament, while Zimbabwe has a lot of “pace” bowlers. Fortunately, the Chepauk pitch may provide some relief for Suryakumar Yadav’s men. Traditionally, it’s a slow bowler that would help Zimbabwean bowlers like Sikander Raza and Blessings Muzarabani, but something seems to have changed this time around.
Ahead of the World Cup, the ground was dug up and one of the tracks was completely resurfaced. But the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association authorities ensured that no cricket matches are held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (MAC) for more than five months, thus keeping the pitch fresh.
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As a result, the ball is hitting the bat better on both clay and black clay courts than it has been in years past. In the first match – a day-match between Afghanistan and New Zealand – Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott decided to leave left-arm wrist spinner and Chennai Super Kings star Noor Ahmed out of the starting XI. Afghanistan could not defend 182 while New Zealand managed to score 17.5 overs, a stark contrast to the earlier matches at this venue when the required rate was 8 overs.
Now let’s take a look at some of the other goals from this World Cup at Chebauk Stadium. New Zealand tied for 175 in 15.2 overs against the UAE while Canada’s Yuvraj Samra smashed a smooth 65-ball 110 against the Black Caps. The ball didn’t spin or stop much and New Zealand chased down the target of 176 in 15.1 overs.
Captain Mitchell Santner said the “last wicket was very flat” while New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson said the “pitch was outstanding”. “I played in Chennai for a while and that might change…(pacers) Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy were pretty poor on the field,” Ferguson said.
In the two night games played here so far, the team attacking first has won handily, defending 196 and 200 respectively. The dew factor, which often plays a big role in stadium matches, didn’t wreak havoc this time around. In this case, captain “SKY” will most likely bat first.
For Zimbabwe, 180 overs (batting first or fielding first) would be ideal. But the MAC’s conditions suggest that’s not enough.
